North Dublin residents have said that mounting frustrations over Dublin Airport's North Runway could result in a large scale protest.
Planning permission was first granted for the North Runway in 2007. However, residents have spoken out in the past about alleged breaching of the original planning permission, which has allegedly resulted in excessive flight take offs near people's homes.
A previous protest was held outside Fingal County Council on December 12 by local residents. However, residents have said that a larger demonstration outside Dublin Airport itself might be necessary if their concerns over flight patterns are not adequately addressed. The daa was invited to attend last night's meeting but declined to attend.
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While daa officials issued an apology last week about noise disruption in the area, residents claim that other factors continue to disrupt their daily lives. Two residents from Ridgewood in Swords mentioned that the issue transcends noise, as they feel unable to open their windows or step outside due to aircraft fumes.
Residents also spoke about being woken up in the middle of the night as a result of flight take offs. They feel this is in violation of the original planning permission and have serious concerns about the potential health hazards posed by overnight flights.
Dr Niamh Maher, a local resident, spoke about how sleep disturbances caused by the planes can contribute to high blood pressure and anxiety. The World Health Organisation has established that any noise over 40 decibels can have a detrimental impact on health over time.
Georgina, a local who belongs to St Margaret's Residents Association, says that airplanes are taking off outside her home at 86 decibels. Hearing damage can potentially begin at 100 decibels. She says that the community has been left in utter shock by flight patterns that were introduced on August 24.
She said: "We were told we wouldn't hear much all, just a little den. The daa has misled everybody. It's one rule for an individual to receive planning permission but it's another rule for the daa."
She added: "The community also do not have faith in the flight paths set to be introduced on February 23."
Residents also appealed for funds as they fight ongoing legal action as they appeal the North Runway plans. They say that asking for more time to revise flight plans merely stalls the problem and will have no long term benefit.
The daa issued a statement last week on the status of the North Runway. They apologised for the inconvenience overflown flights caused to local communities.
A daa spokesperson said of last night's meeting: "The planning permission granted by Fingal County Council for the runway is currently being appealed to An Bord Pleanala. Hence it would have been inappropriate for us to attend last night’s public meeting on January 19 until this appeal process is concluded."
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